Drug interactions
Citalopram + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Contraindicated
Citalopram and Selegiline transdermal: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Combining an SSRI with an MAO inhibitor such as transdermal selegiline can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. The transdermal form still provides systemic MAO inhibition, especially at higher doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Citalopram and Selegiline transdermal are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
MAO inhibition combined with serotonin reuptake inhibition leads to excess serotonergic activity.
What to do
Do not use together. Allow at least 14 days after stopping selegiline before starting citalopram, and at least 14 days after stopping citalopram before starting selegiline.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
Other interactions of Citalopram
- Cisapride + Citalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Escitalopram Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Phenelzine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Citalopram with Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Citalopram and Selegiline transdermal are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Combining an SSRI with an MAO inhibitor such as transdermal selegiline can cause serotonin syndrome and hypertensive reactions. The transdermal form still provides systemic MAO inhibition, especially at higher doses.
How serious is the interaction between Citalopram and Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together. Allow at least 14 days after stopping selegiline before starting citalopram, and at least 14 days after stopping citalopram before starting selegiline.
What other medicines interact with Citalopram?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Citalopram with, for example, Cisapride, Dronedarone, Escitalopram. The full list is on the Citalopram page.
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